fails to capture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to capture" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
Example: Despite the filmmaker's best efforts, the movie fails to capture the essence of the book it was based on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But even this comparison fails to capture Cook's utter vulnerability.

The New Yorker

But "Monte Walsh" fails to capture the exhilaration.

The New York Times

This fails to capture the essence of his political ambitions.

The Guardian - Opinion

The shorthand fails to capture the complexity of their lives and the loss each choice entails.

The New York Times

What's wrong with it, though, is that it fails to capture the Met 2012 moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As ever, this simple binary distinction fails to capture the full picture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If there is passion and power in contract negotiations, this episode fails to capture it.

The New York Times

Again, that leaden criticism fails to capture the subtleties of this classic series.

The Guardian - Arts

The farm bill's unassuming name fails to capture its effect on American life.

The New Yorker

Even the most efficient design fails to capture 40percentt of the energy in the wind.

The New York Times - Tech

This simplistic approach fails to capture a crucial and widespread phenomenon on the Web: near duplication.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to capture", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is lacking or misrepresented. This will strengthen the statement's impact and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fails to capture" when the subject only partially misses the mark. Consider milder alternatives like "does not fully represent" if the deficiency is not absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to capture" functions as a verb phrase. It typically serves as the predicate of a sentence, expressing that something is unsuccessful in accurately representing or conveying something else. Ludwig examples show its versatility across various subject matters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

27%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fails to capture" is a frequently used verb phrase that indicates an inadequacy in representing or conveying something accurately. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, finding applications across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. While "fails to capture" is generally neutral in register, its implications are usually critical, expressing a deficiency. When employing this phrase, writers should strive to clearly define what is lacking to ensure the statement's impact and relevance. Related phrases like "does not accurately represent" and "misses the essence of" offer alternatives, contingent on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not accurately represent

Emphasizes a lack of precision in representation.

does not adequately convey

Focuses on the insufficiency in communicating a particular idea or feeling.

falls short of expressing

Highlights the inability to fully articulate or communicate something.

is an inadequate depiction of

Stresses the deficiency in portraying something accurately.

misses the essence of

Indicates a failure to grasp the core or fundamental nature of something.

does not fully encompass

Focuses on the incomplete nature of a description or understanding.

is unable to portray

Highlights the inability to present something in a certain way.

omits the significance of

Stresses that it is a failure to include or properly weight the importance of something.

obscures the reality of

Highlights that it does not reflect an accurate picture.

presents an incomplete picture of

Focuses on the presentation of something only in part.

FAQs

How can I use "fails to capture" in a sentence?

You can use "fails to capture" to indicate that something doesn't accurately represent or convey a particular aspect. For example, "The movie "fails to capture" the complexity of the novel."

What are some alternatives to "fails to capture"?

Alternatives include "does not accurately represent", "does not adequately convey", or "misses the essence of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fails to capture" or "does not capture"?

"Fails to capture" and "does not capture" are largely interchangeable. "Fails to capture" may carry a slightly stronger connotation of inadequacy, but both are grammatically correct and widely understood.

What's the difference between "fails to capture" and "fails to address"?

"Fails to capture" suggests a lack of accurate representation, while "fails to address" indicates a lack of attention or consideration. For instance, a review might "fail to capture" the film's underlying themes, while a policy might "fail to address" the root causes of poverty.